Although born and raised in northeast Ohio, Robert Ranc and his family now call Celina their home having moved here about a year ago to tackle the role of City Manager. It’s an enormous challenge helping shape the future of the fastest growing city in the United States. Having a seasoned professional such as Robert at the helm is an important asset in navigating the challenge of balancing growth with our collective desire to maintain our identity as a community. We sat down with Robert to learn more about his first year serving in his role and how he and his family are settling in.
Tell us about the road you took to arrive in Celina?
Following high school, I served a six-year enlistment in the Air Force as a Persian-Farsi linguist. During my time in the Air Force, I was stationed in Monterey, California, San Angelo, Texas, and Augusta, Georgia. My wife, Rachelle, and I met while I was stationed in Monterey. We were married in San Diego, California in December 2004. Following my enlistment, I completed both my undergraduate and graduate degrees at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I began my career in local government as a community and economic development project manager for Ogden City, Utah. I have subsequently worked in executive capacities for Lehi, Utah, Burleson, Texas, and Dublin, Ohio. Rachelle and I have three kids – Addie (18), Carter (16), and Everett (9). Addie is a freshman at Utah State University, Carter is a junior at Walnut Grove High School, and Everett is in 4th grade at Sam Johnson Elementary School. We have moved into Mustang Lakes, and we love the community. Like many people, we were attracted to the small town feel of Celina as well as the excitement of being part of a fast-growing city.
How are you settling into Life Connected in Celina?
This has been a big year for our family. In addition to moving from Ohio back to Texas to start a new job, our daughter Addie graduated from high school and moved away for college. Moving to a close-knit community like Celina has helped a lot. We have enjoyed getting to know members of the community, our neighbors, and our church community. We have enjoyed the community events that bring Celina together – from Friday Night Markets to special events, and getting to know people as we enjoy the restaurants and shops downtown.
What do you love most about starting a new year?
It is nice to have the first year as city manager under my belt and look forward to continuing the City’s positive momentum heading into the new year.
What are you most proud of accomplishing last year?
As I have taken stock of the past year, I am impressed with all the City has accomplished in such a short amount of time. We opened Fire Station #3 and the new Police Headquarters. We also broke ground on the Downtown Center. Additionally, we hired four new department directors, including a new fire chief. We were also able to pass a budget for Fiscal Year 2025 which includes significant enhancements and additional resources for public safety and infrastructure improvements. These accomplishments are a credit to the City Council, our city staff, our boards and commissions, and the support of the residents of Celina.
What was the biggest challenge for you?
Any time you begin a new role in a new community, there is a lot to get up to speed on in a short amount of time. I am appreciative to the City Council, city staff, and leaders throughout the community for helping to reduce the learning curve and taking the time to help get me up to speed quickly.
What are you most looking forward to in the coming year?
I look forward to several important projects, including the construction of the Downtown Center parking garage, continuing the design of Fire Station #4 and the parks and recreation administration building, and continuing progress on Ousley Park. I also look forward to continuing our efforts to strive to be an organization of excellence focused on providing outstanding services to the community.
What is one wish you have for Celina in the New Year?
I look forward to continuing to grow as a community, welcoming our new neighbors while maintaining a commitment to taking care of one another.
Like many people, we were attracted to the small town feel of Celina as well as the excitement of being part of a fast-growing city.